Great women worth knowing more about

To mark Black History Month, June Sarpong highlights the stories of five Black women she admires and who have made a difference to our world.

SOJOURNER TRUTH

(1797-1883)

‘An abolitionist and women’s rights activist, she was born a slave. When her children were taken away from her, she sued her slave master and got them back. In 1851, she went to the Women’s Rights Convention in Ohio and stood up to give the amazing speech “Ain’t I A Woman”. I would recommend everyone read this speech – it is so powerful. She was instrumental in fighting for the freedom of Black people, and also in fighting to help women get the vote.’

HARRIET TUBMAN

(1822-1913)

‘Tubman was an active part of the Underground Railroad in America, using a network of anti-slavery activists and safe houses to get the slaves from the south to the north and ensuring freedom for many Black people, and saving many Black lives.’

MADAM CJ WALKER

(1867-1919)

‘Walker was the first female self-made millionaire in America of any race. She became a multi-millionaire making hair products for Black people – she saw this gap in the market and created a phenomenal business and helped to educate many Black women. She would donate to the historically Black female universities. There is a series about her on Netflix, which I highly recommend.’

YAA ASANTEWAA

(1840-1921)

‘Yaa Asantewaa was Queen Mother in the Ashanti empire – now part of Ghana – and when the British came to take over the Ashanti kingdom, the men caved in, but she refused and single-handedly led a guerrilla war against the British and won. She was 60 at the time. She beat them multiple times before the UK sent more troops and she was exiled to the Seychelles. She was like our Elizabeth I: extraordinary.’

SHIRLEY CHISHOLM

(1924-2005)

‘In 1972, Chisholm was the first woman, and the first Black person, to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. So Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and now Kamala Harris had the opportunity to get where they did because of her. In 1968, she became the first Black female congresswoman and she has this amazing phrase: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring your own folding chair.” That is how she lived her life.’

● Black History Month runs throughout October. For more information on events, visit blackhistorymonth.org.uk